Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, a music law practitioner and former entertainer, composer and songwriter has revealed how he allows professionalism step in when dealing with clients with egos.
Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, fondly called Akinyemilaw, was the lead singer of now defunct 100 Degrees boy band before leaving the craft to pursue what is almost unprecedented. He studied law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and with retained passion for the entertainment industry in the country, he ventured into Music law, to out of previous experiences, offer critical legal services in the value chain to all and sundry.
The former artiste became a Partner and Co-founder at HighTower Solicitors and Advocates after years of working as an associate in other law firms. Akinyemi Ayinoluwa was simply inspired by the drive to provide legal solutions to combat property theft and contractual disputes which are commonly the origins of disputes among musicians, producers, record labels and managers.
Notably and commendably, the clientele list of Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, who also offers services as a business manager, has on his stable are some of Nigeria’s best music producers. His law firm has represented the likes of ID Cabasa, Masterkraft, Blaq jersey, to mention a few.
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“On dealing with big egos, I work with people that are happy to trust in my expertise and advice. Right now, I am more drawn to work with people that values my work. If I see that my work is not being respected and your ego is getting into the way I will probably just step aside,” Akinyemi Ayinoluwa said in an interview.
Speaking further, Akinyemilaw said, “in entertainment, you can’t really change people especially superstars. It is not easy to talk to a Rock Star and try to change them. The best you can do is to show that you are someone of value and that you can add value to them and if they don’t see it that way, you just have to let them have it their way and step aside”.
Recalling how his passion in the Nigerian music industry began, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa revealed:
”Growing up, some of the things I enjoyed was listening to music, I had an auntie by name Aunty Jumoke who used to come around and we will all do music, record some songs and when we listen to ourselves that used to be a lot of fun. Some of my other wonderful moments were winning prizes in school and in some competitions such as music and dancing all that used to be a lot of fun for me”.
Ayinoluwa has authored numerous articles in the field of music law, estate planning, commercial transactions, and regularly gets invited to deliver speeches and courses about these subjects. He also prides himself in helping clients understand the value of their intellectual property rights and to be mindful of the exploitation that is rampant in the industry. His zeal and passion for education has moved him to design educational resources for record producers and beat makers.
